Espresso Balsamic Truffles

These tiny morsels have a tangy, fruity flavor that will almost melt in your mouth. They can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen.  For best results, use highest quality chocolate chips possible.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons Dark Espresso Balsamic Vinegar
• 10 ounces high-quality 60% cocoa bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

Directions:

In a pot, combine all ingredients, except cocoa, stirring over low heat. Set aside.

Prepare an 8x8 inch pan, greased and lined with waxed paper. Make sure the waxed paper edges extend over two sides of the pan. Poor entire mixture in pan and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight).

When firm, but moldable, scoop out into small portions with a teaspoon and shape into cherry-sized balls.

Set on waxed paper. Place coca powder (and any other dry goods in which you wish to decorate your truffles, such as, nuts, shredded coconut, crushed peppermint, etc.) in a shall bowl and roll truffles in the powder until coated. Set on waxed paper until ready to serve.

Place on a white paper doily on a pretty plate and ENJOY!

Lemon Fused Olive Oil Brownies

Simple, dense and rich in flavor and texture! A family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate baking squares
• 1/3 cup Lemon Fused Olive Oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for added decadence)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F. Coat an 8x8 baking pan with olive oil or cooking spray. Place chocolate and olive oil together in pot over medium. Heat and stir until melted and smooth.

In mixing bowl, add eggs, sugar and vanilla and mix on medium-high speed about 5 minutes. Add chocolate mixture until smooth.

Fold in flour and salt. Mix until moistened . Be careful not to over mix. Add chocolate chips (optional).

Bake 20- 25 minutes or until center comes out clean. Remove and cool slightly before serving.

- OR -

Find your favorite box of brownies. Follow directions and use Lemon Fused Olive Oil in place of recipe oil. These are extra-yummy slightly undercooked, like fudge.